Topical Bible: Religious Intolerance: Exemplified by Jehu

Bible > Topical > Religious Intolerance

◄ Religious Intolerance: Exemplified by Jehu ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Jehu, the son of Jehoshaphat and grandson of Nimshi, is a prominent figure in the history of Israel, known for his zealous actions against the worship of Baal and the eradication of Ahab's lineage. His account is primarily found in 2 Kings 9-10, where he is anointed as king of Israel and tasked with executing divine judgment on the house of Ahab.

Anointing and Divine Mandate

Jehu's rise to power is marked by a divine mandate delivered through the prophet Elisha. In 2 Kings 9:6-7 , the young prophet sent by Elisha anoints Jehu, saying, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anoint you king over the LORD’s people Israel. You are to strike down the house of your master Ahab, so that I may avenge the blood of My servants the prophets and all the servants of the LORD who died at the hand of Jezebel.’" This anointing sets the stage for Jehu's mission to purge Israel of idolatry and apostasy.

Execution of Judgment

Jehu's actions are characterized by a fervent intolerance for the worship of Baal, which had been introduced and promoted by Ahab and Jezebel. His campaign begins with the execution of Joram, king of Israel, and Ahaziah, king of Judah, as recorded in 2 Kings 9:24-27. Jehu's zeal is further demonstrated in his confrontation with Jezebel, whom he orders to be thrown from a window, resulting in her death (2 Kings 9:33).

Destruction of Ahab's Lineage

In 2 Kings 10, Jehu continues his mission by orchestrating the massacre of Ahab's seventy sons in Samaria. He sends letters to the guardians of Ahab's sons, challenging them to choose the best and fittest of their master's sons to sit on his father's throne. When they refuse, acknowledging Jehu's strength, he orders the beheading of all seventy sons, displaying their heads at the entrance of the gate as a testament to his fulfillment of God's judgment (2 Kings 10:6-8).

Eradication of Baal Worship

Jehu's most notable act of religious intolerance is his cunning plan to eradicate Baal worship from Israel. He deceives the prophets, ministers, and worshipers of Baal by proclaiming a great sacrifice to Baal, gathering them all in the temple of Baal. Once assembled, Jehu commands his guards to kill them all, leaving no survivor, and subsequently destroys the temple and its sacred pillar, turning it into a latrine (2 Kings 10:18-27).

Evaluation of Jehu's Actions

Jehu's actions are often viewed through the lens of his obedience to God's command to eliminate idolatry and apostasy from Israel. His zeal for the LORD is acknowledged in 2 Kings 10:30 , where the LORD says to Jehu, "Because you have done well in carrying out what is right in My eyes and have done to the house of Ahab all that was in My heart, your descendants will sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation."

However, Jehu's reign is also marked by his failure to fully turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, as he continued the worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan (2 Kings 10:29). This inconsistency highlights the complexity of Jehu's legacy as a ruler who was both a tool of divine judgment and a man who did not wholly commit to the LORD's ways.

Jehu's account serves as a powerful example of religious intolerance in the biblical narrative, illustrating the lengths to which he went to purify Israel from idolatry, while also reminding readers of the importance of complete devotion to God.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 10:18-31
And Jehu gathered all the people together, and said to them, Ahab served Baal a little; but Jehu shall serve him much.
Nave's Topical Index